Getting Ahead: Berkeley business owner has built a career as a master plumber

3:37 PM,
Nov. 20, 2013

Janie Neal, a master plumber, co-owns Neal Plumbing in Berkeley with her husband.

Written by

Janie Neal
| For the Asbury Park Press

No it's not Josephine, the plumber that we all remember from the commercials back in the day. I'm Janie Neal, a licensed master plumber and co-owner of Neal Plumbing along with my husband, George.

Originally I was a self-employed seamstress and costume designer working from home in my basement sewing room. I designed everything from dancers' costumes to swimwear to bridal gowns.

After 15 years of running a successful business that allowed me to be a stay-at-home mom, I believed it was time for a change. Both my children were in school full time, so my husband encouraged me to come and work for him ...